Tributes pour in for Tom Petty after singer dies aged 66

Tributes from some of the world’s biggest music stars have poured in following the death of Tom Petty.

The Traveling Wilburys and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers legend passed away aged 66 on 2nd October after suffering a heart attack.

A statement from Petty’s former manager Tony Dimitriades was tweeted out and confirmed the news that the Breakdown and Free Fallin’ singer had died:

Full statement: pic.twitter.com/FGCVI5yIaa

— Tom Petty (@tompetty) October 3, 2017

The news prompted tributes from some of the biggest figures in music, with Bob Dylan telling Rolling Stone magazine that Petty’s death was “crushing” as he “thought the world” of him.

Dylan, who was a bandmember of the Traveling Wilburys alongside Petty, added: “It’s shocking, crushing news. I thought the world of Tom. He was great performer, full of the light, a friend, and I’ll never forget him.”

Other giants of music took to Twitter to express their condolences:

Sending love to Tom Petty and his family at this difficult time.

— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) October 2, 2017

My ❤️ goes out to all the people affected by the horrible shooting in Las Vegas, & to family,friends & fans of Tom Petty, of which I'm one.

— Carole King (@Carole_King) October 2, 2017

So sad about Tom Petty, he made some great music. Thoughts are with his family.

— Mick Jagger (@MickJagger) October 3, 2017

RIP Tom Petty. Thanks for all the great rockin' music, hard to believe you're gone.

— Bryan Adams (@bryanadams) October 2, 2017

This is unbearable. Vegas and now a great music hero has passed. You brought us so much joy, @tompetty. We will miss you. ❤️ #RIPTomPetty

— Sheryl Crow (@SherylCrow) October 2, 2017

I loved Tom Petty and I covered his songs because I wanted know what it felt like to fly.
“you belong somewhere you feel free.”
????

— John Mayer (@JohnMayer) October 2, 2017

Oh man Tom Petty is gone. He was really great. He will be missed. Thoughts and prayers go to his family right now. RIP

— Cyndi Lauper (@cyndilauper) October 2, 2017

I’m heartbroken to hear about Tom Petty. Tom was a hell of a songwriter and record-maker. He will be missed by everyone who loves music. L&M

— Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) October 2, 2017

Just when I thought today could not get any worse…
R.I.P. Tom Petty. Thank you for your beautiful music and inspiration.

— Kid Rock (@KidRock) October 2, 2017

Meanwhile Coldplay performed their own rendition of Free Fallin’ on stage in the US alongside former R.E.M guitarist Peter Buck in tribute to the singer-songwriter:

Following the minute of silence, Peter Buck joined the band for this wonderful rendition of Freefalling by Tom Petty.
R42 pic.twitter.com/KzRMHYGKwS

— Coldplay (@coldplay) October 3, 2017

Away from the world of music, other celebrities expressed their sadness at the musician’s passing, including Kiefer Sutherland, Caitriona Balfe and Top Gear presenter Chris Harris.

Today America lost one of its musical giants. Thank you Tom Petty for all the music. To me you will live forever. pic.twitter.com/L6TrMBa6os

— Kiefer Sutherland (@RealKiefer) October 3, 2017

This song played a huge part in my teens. I used to know every lyric in english and Gaelic #RIP????
https://t.co/KRVMRdGlUV via @youtube

— Caitríona Balfe (@caitrionambalfe) October 3, 2017

Tom Petty and Prince, live. Watch to the very end. Some people are just special. https://t.co/fZg6gp6YUs

— chris harris (@harrismonkey) October 3, 2017

Petty had last performed live just a week ago, and had recently expressed his desire to give up touring, telling Rolling Stone magazine: “I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was thinking this might be the last big one. We’re all on the backside of our 60s. I have a granddaughter now I’d like to see as much as I can. I don’t want to spend my life on the road.”